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AAA Texas to offer free tipsy tow service

If you’re a driver who has too much to drink, or you’re a party host, restaurant or bar owner who’s concerned about a guest that’s overindulged and you want to make sure that person gets home safely, AAA Texas is offering members and non-members alike our Tipsy Tow program to make sure everyone who needs a ride home gets home safely.Motorists who believe they have had too much to drink can call AAA Texas’ Emergency Roadside Service and be provided a free tow and ride home beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, through 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The number to call is 1-800-222-4357. Callers simply tell the AAA Texas operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. AAA Texas will dispatch an Emergency Roadside Service truck to the location and take the driver and vehicle 10 miles free of charge. Any mileage beyond 10 miles will be the responsibility of the motorist. The passenger and driver should agree in advance what the excess mileage charges will be and the method of payment, prior to providing the tow.“AAA Texas is pleased to offer Tipsy Tow to Texas motorists during this time of the year. Law enforcement, individual motorists, party hosts and others are taking responsibility to make sure intoxicated drivers don’t get behind the wheel. AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service team will be a critical part of this important effort to save lives and get motorists home safely,” said Linda K. von Quintus, AAA Vice President of Government & Community Affairs.Many motorists who have had too much to drink have said one of the reasons why they don’t call a taxi is because they have to come back the next day and get the car. Tipsy Tow takes care of that. You do not have to be a AAA member to use this free service, however reservations are not accepted.There are some situations where a Tipsy Tow does not qualify:• The motorist requests a tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or other location besides their place of residence. A tow to a hotel would be acceptable if the person is a guest there.• If a member or non-member requests a Tipsy Tow and then, that vehicle is inoperable or the individual asks to start the car, change a tire, deliver gasoline or seeks “taxi” service, transporting two or more people with the vehicle, they will be charged the tow truck operator’s standard rate.People who are convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can be a financial wrecking ball. Law enforcement agencies say it can cost a person between $13,000 to $24,000 in fines, legal fees, higher insurance rates, lost wages, substance abuse programs or court required alcohol treatment. AAA Texas advises that motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DWI/DUI arrests by keeping these safety tips in mind:• At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.• Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking.• Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.• As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.• Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink. • If you’re driving and see a motorist driving in an erratic manner, try to stay behind their vehicle, leaving plenty of distance to be safe. Call 9-1-1 and give police a description of the vehicle and license plate if you can safely see it. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA Texas can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.